Period of protection

A work is protected as soon it is created independant from the question, whether it is fixed in tangible form. The protection ends 70 years after the death of the author (post mortem auctoris). Thus, a late work, created a year before death, is protected during some 70 years. A work, made in the twenties of an author dying aged 85, may benefit from a protection during 135 years. The protection period (always 70 years post mortem auctoris) is absolute, the duration of the protection is relative.

Oeuvre of Cézanne - the copyright term of 70 years after decease of this famous author has expired.